Overview of phytoremediation of large area soil with low level radioactive contamination

Radioactive contamination is a difficult environmental problem. As a new technology, phytoremediation of large area soil contaminated with low level radioactivity is attracting more and more attention. The concept and the basic principle of phytoremediation are introduced. The research progress with respect to contamination of ⁹⁰Sr, ¹³⁷Cs, U and Pu, obstacles of application and countermeasures, are highlighted. Some suggestions on further studies are put forward. (authors)